Stellenbosch University/Tygerberg Hospital
Paediatrics & Child Health

Presenter of 1 Presentation

ACUTE RESPIRATORY ILLNESS ADMISSIONS IN SOUTH AFRICAN CHILDREN DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Session Type
Oral Presentations
Date
Wed, 23.02.2022
Session Time
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
Room
Sala E
Session Icon
Pre-Recorded with Live Q&A
Lecture Time
11:35 AM - 11:45 AM

Abstract

Background

Distinguishing children with SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to other acute respiratory illnesses (ARIs) would assist treatment and infection control strategies, especially where resources are limited.

Aims

The study aim was to describe the profile and outcomes of SA children with ARI with and without SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated routinely collected clinical data of children 0-13 years presenting with ARIs to Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town between May 2020- November 2020. SARS-CoV-2 PCR was performed on all admitted children presenting with respiratory symptoms.

Results

Data of 178 children was included. SARS-CoV-2 positive children (40/178, 22.5%) were younger (median 6.7 vs 17 months, p=0.09), had lower weight-for-age Z-score (-0.83 vs -0.54, p=0.02) and were more likely female (55% vs 38%, p<0.01). Underlying comorbidities were similar in both groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed SARS-CoV-2 positive children more frequently presented with fever (OR 3.9, 95CI 1.7-8.8), and were less likely to have cough (OR 0.3 95CI 0.1-0.6).

Oxygen supplementation (73% vs 75%, p=0.79) and respiratory support (38% vs 26%, p=0.16) were similar between groups, but SARS-CoV-2 positive children were more likely to require PICU (18% vs 7%, p=0.03) and remain on oxygen (median 6 vs 2 days, p=0.01). Readmission within 3 months for respiratory reason was similar (18% vs 15%, p=0.64).

Conclusions

Clinical presentation between children with and without SARS-CoV-2 was comparable. Children with SARS-CoV-2 infection required longer oxygen supplementation and more PICU admissions. These findings suggest a potentially differential long-term outcome in children with SARS-CoV-2 which requires further investigation.

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